It’s no secret that over the years, R&B veteran Bobby Brown had arguably become more so known for his wild antics and drug addiction than his success as an artist. But as a now-sober Brown explains in a recent interview, sobriety is far more satisfying than his former rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
In an interview with theboombox.com, Brown declares that he’s been sober for the past six years, a feat which has opened up the doors for a new life and a new love with fiancee and manager Alicia Etheridge.
“Six years sober from drugs. I’m just really grateful that I can get off the heroin, the crack, the coke. I’m glad I just have a beautiful woman in my life who’s always there for me. At times when it gets really hard, she’s right there, you know, to hold me and let me know, you know, ‘Look at where you came from and look at where you are right now.’ I’m just grateful.”
Besides finding love, Brown has also found his muse again, recording a new album that’s set be released in May.
“I’ve been basically trying to live and grow with myself and find what I wanted to write about,” says Brown. “Unfortunately my mom passed [away] and I had to do something quick, so The Masterpiece is just 13 years of my ups and downs and everything that I’ve been through. I’m just grateful to be able to put this album out because I really feel it is a masterpiece.”
And while Brown maybe finding his wings as a solo artist, he’s in talks with his former New Edition group members about a reunion for their 30th anniversary next year.
“Business can tear friends apart but we’ve been working with our friendship and talking every week. It’s just a good thing that, you know, I still got five brothers.”
While Brown may be reconciling his relationship with his musical brothers, he stresses that his relationship with daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who’s seen her fair share of drug-related tabloid drama, is fine and the young girl is healthy.
“I did talk to her,” Brown says. “I have all faith in my daughter that she’s going to stay strong for herself. My daughter is doing great. I love her dearly.”
What do you think of Brown’s new testimony and his latest musical ventures?
–nicholas robinson
